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LIVORNO, Italy - The officer responsible for providing effective garrison support of Army mission activities worldwide - as well as overall support services - visited here April 29, seeing how Camp Darby is keeping its pledge to support Army Families.

Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, assistant chief of staff for installation management and commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command, is touring locations throughout Europe, learning how military communities are benefiting from the Army Family Covenant.

"We know that the strength of our Soldiers lies in the strength of Families," said Wilson. "The Army Family Covenant is the leadership's commitment to ensuring the standardization of family services across the Army."

The first installation that Wilson visited was Camp Darby, a small installation located five minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Tuscan region of Italy.

"When I visit installations such as Camp Darby, I am looking at commanders and command sergeants major for new programs that complement quality-of-life improvement in areas such as health care, child and youth services, schools and housing," said the general.

Lt. Col. Steven Cade, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Livorno, added that with endeavors ranging from "Quick Wins" - easy fixes that are immediately implemented - to ongoing projects and future initiatives, all of Camp Darby's servicemembers, civilian employees and volunteers are extremely committed to the welfare and well-being of all that live and work here.

"Child and Youth Services has especially benefited with 16 free hours of care for deployed families, four free instructional classes and two free sports enrollments for children of deployed families, along with renovations of the current Child Development Center, new School Age Service building, playground and an area for dance classes and piano lessons," said Cade.

Wilson will participate on AFN's "Openline" on the Powernet May 1 at 10 a.m. People can call in with their questions DSN 389-4595 or they can e-mail their questions and comments in advance at openline@afne.army.mil.